High contribution of picophytoplankton to phytoplankton biomass in a shallow, eutrophic coastal sea

Takasu, Hiroyuki; Ikeda, Mana; Miyahara, Kotaro; Shiragaki, Tomohiro

doi:10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105852

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…1b). Considering their ubiquitous appearance throughout water bodies around the world (Coello-Camba and Agustí, 2021; Purcell-Meyerink et al, 2017; Sathicq et al, 2020; Takasu et al, 2023), it is not surprising that picophytoplankton also play an important role in the Elbe estuary, even though empirical evidence has so far been scarce for this ecosystem.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Picophytoplankton dominate phytoplankton communities in the Elbe estuary in terms of cell counts

Martens,

Biederbick,

Schaum

2024

Preprint

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Summary(1)Picophytoplankton are important primary producers, but not always adequately recognized, e.g. due to methodological limitations.(2)In this study, we combined flow cytometry and metabarcoding to investigate seasonal and spatial patterns of picophytoplankton abundance and community composition in the Elbe estuary.(3)Picophytoplankton (mostly picoeukaryotes such asMychonastesandMinidiscus)contributed on average 70 % (SD = 14 %) to the total phytoplankton counts. In the summer picocyanobacteria (e.g.Synechococcus) played a more significant role. The contributions of picophytoplankton to the total phytoplankton were particularly high from summer to winter as well as in the mid estuary. However, at salinities of around 10 PSU in the mixing area the proportion of picophytoplankton was comparably low (average 49 %, SD = 13 %).(4)Our results indicate that picophytoplankton prevail in the Elbe estuary year-round with respect to cell counts. Picophytoplankton could occupy important niche positions to maintain primary production under extreme conditions where larger phytoplankton might struggle (e.g. at high or low temperature and high turbidity), and also benefit from high nutrient availability here. However, we did not find evidence that they played a particularly significant role at the salinity interface. Our study highlights the importance of including picophytoplankton when assessing estuarine phytoplankton as has been suggested for other ecosystems such as oceans.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Picophytoplankton (< 2-3 µm) are important primary producers in aquatic ecosystems from oligotrophic to eutrophic habitats (Coello-Camba and Agustí, 2021; Moreira-Turcq et al, 2001; Purcell-Meyerink et al, 2017; Takasu et al, 2023; Zhang et al, 2015). These tiny organisms fulfill crucial ecological functions, e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Picophytoplankton dominate phytoplankton communities in the Elbe estuary in terms of cell counts

Martens,

Biederbick,

Schaum

2024

Preprint

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Picophytoplankton prevail year‐round in the Elbe estuary

Martens,

Biederbick,

Schaum

2024

Plant Enviro Interactions

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Picophytoplankton are important primary producers, but not always adequately recognized, for example, due to methodological limitations. In this study, we combined flow cytometry and metabarcoding to investigate seasonal and spatial patterns of picophytoplankton abundance and community composition in the Elbe estuary. Due to the mixing of freshwater and seawater and the tidal currents this ecosystem is characterized by typical estuarine features such as salinity gradients and high turbidity. Picophytoplankton (mostly picoeukaryotes such as Mychonastes and Minidiscus) contributed on average 70% (SD = 14%) to the total phytoplankton counts. In summer picocyanobacteria (e.g., Synechococcus) played a more significant role. The contributions of picophytoplankton to the total phytoplankton were particularly high from summer to winter as well as in the mid estuary. However, at salinities of around 10 PSU in the mixing area of freshwater and seawater, the proportion of picophytoplankton was comparably low (average 49%, SD = 13%). Our results indicate that picophytoplankton prevail in the Elbe estuary year‐round with respect to cell counts. Picophytoplankton could occupy important niche positions to maintain primary production under extreme conditions where larger phytoplankton might struggle (e.g., at high or low temperature, high turbidity, and in areas with high grazing pressure) and also benefit from high nutrient availability here. However, we did not find evidence that they played a particularly significant role at the salinity interface. Our study highlights the importance of including picophytoplankton when assessing estuarine phytoplankton as has been suggested for other ecosystems such as oceans.

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Temporal variation in vitamin B12 concentration and their impact on phytoplankton composition of surface waters of a coastal ocean off Japan (Ariake Sea)

Kondo,

Takahashi,

Takatani

et al. 2024

J Oceanogr

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High contribution of picophytoplankton to phytoplankton biomass in a shallow, eutrophic coastal sea

Cited by 7 publications

References 27 publications

Picophytoplankton dominate phytoplankton communities in the Elbe estuary in terms of cell counts

Picophytoplankton dominate phytoplankton communities in the Elbe estuary in terms of cell counts

Picophytoplankton prevail year‐round in the Elbe estuary

Temporal variation in vitamin B12 concentration and their impact on phytoplankton composition of surface waters of a coastal ocean off Japan (Ariake Sea)

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